
A lively comedic farce set in a small Spanish village, this play turns the everyday bustle of rural life into a sharp mirror of the country’s political customs. The stage is filled with a bustling office, a sun‑lit garden, and a cast of familiar townsfolk whose interactions reveal the tangled web of local influence and ambition. From the first moments, the humor is both broad and pointed, hinting at the deeper currents that shape village politics.
The opening act throws us into a frantic chase through the garden, where a married woman fiercely protects her honor from an over‑eager suitor. Their exchange crackles with witty repartee, slap‑stick gestures, and an almost theatrical use of ink and a rolling carpet, illustrating how personal dramas echo the larger power struggles of the community. Meanwhile, a chorus of neighbors and officials watches, their reactions adding layers of satire to the scene.
Beyond the immediate comedy, the work offers a keen observation of the caciquismo that still grips rural Spain. By blending absurd situations with sincere dialogue, it invites listeners to laugh while reflecting on the stubborn habits that keep old power structures alive. The result is an entertaining yet thoughtful portrait of a world where politics and daily life are inseparably intertwined.
Full title
Los caciques farsa cómica de costumbres de política rural, distribuída en tres actos
Language
es
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Spain: R. Velasco, impresor,1920.
Credits
Ramón Pajares Box (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2022-03-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1866–1943
A major voice in Spanish comic theater, he helped shape popular stage comedy in the early 20th century. His plays drew on everyday Madrid life and became known for their sharp humor, lively language, and strong theatrical energy.
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